Abstract

To the editor: If the term "cerebritis" (Ann Intern Med 80:413-414, 1974) is allowable, it should only be on the basis of involvement of the cerebrum to the exclusion of other parts of the encephalon; otherwise, "encephalitis" or "encephalopathy" should be used. Greek roots for diseases, Latin for anatomical names. Surely we wouldn't permit "renitis" or "oculitis"? The exceptions, which aren't many, got in under a grandfather clause that is no longer operative; at least, it shouldn't be invoked without cause, and in the case of lupus erythematosus encephalopathy, the cause seems to be lacking.